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Q:
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What advice would you give to a customer looking to hire a company like yours?
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A:
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So yesterday evening I went to look at a job fairly close to home (thank goodness). As I arrived I was met by the homeowner who greeted me and swapped greetings and I handed him my card. After that the homeowner said “I’ve got two bids so far, you’re the third. The price you need to beat is $ ???? (didn’t want to fill in exact amount)”
At that point our meeting fizzled out after discovering he wanted the “low bid”.
So to clarify, the low bid isn’t always the “worst” or the “best”. For some people their only stipulation for hiring a contractor is the price.
Big mistake.
Here’s why;
After 20 + years in business I’ve seen a lot (started to say I’ve seen it all). We have fixed countless projects these “low bid” contractors started and either:
~didn’t finish ~took a deposit and did shoddy (nice term) work only to leave before they finished ~did shoddy work, called it finished, and either got paid and left, or homeowner only paid part or all after they “completed” the job.
Here are some guidelines in hiring a contractor.
~Make sure you are comfortable with contractor you are hiring. They will be working in or around your home so trust is important.
~Communication – Make sure from the onset of process they communicate well with you about bid, details, scheduling, etc.
~Insurance – Do they carry required insurance? Ask them or ask for a certificate of insurance to be emailed or mailed from their agent if you want to be sure.
~Better Business Bureau- Check their record, complaints, etc.
~Licensing- some trades require contractor to be licensed in their field of expertise.
~References – get references of jobs and clients. Check them out. they should have more than just a few and if they are legitimate be more than happy for you to call their references.
~Get detailed contact of work to be performed.
~Make sure each contractor has same guidelines to job. ~Compare materials to be used, ask about quality of materials, warranty of material, warranty on the contactor’s labor,
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Q:
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What is the most common type of project or service your company provides?
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A:
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Interior Painting
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Q:
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In what ways is your company environmentally friendly?
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A:
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We use Low VOC paints and Waterborne Enamels rather than solvent based products whenever possible.
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Q:
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What would you like your customers to know about your company?
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A:
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If you hire us to do your project I guarantee that you'll be satisfied.
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Q:
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What is your company best known for?
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A:
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Being real, responsible, and transparent. No hidden fees or upcharges.
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Q:
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What separates your company from the competition?
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A:
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We are prompt. Clean. Reliable. And Honest.
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Q:
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Does your company offer a warranty or guarantee?
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A:
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Yes.
3 year on exterior painting.
No quibble fix it right on interiors.
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Q:
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Has your company received any awards?
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A:
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2011-current Best Painter Award in our area (Lakeshore Times newspaper poll)
2012-14 Angies List Super Service Award.
9/16 - Chamber of Commerce Business of the Month
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Q:
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What forms of payment do you accept? (cash, check, credit cards, etc.)
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A:
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Cash and Check
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